Automated price management system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to retail price management and, more particularly, a retail price management system that takes into account current competitor pricing and current sales, automatically determines whether a price adjustment is necessary and automatically adjusts the prices at the point-of-sale. The invention is especially relevant to managing the price of products that frequently fluctuate in price, such as the sale of automotive fuel at retail service stations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For certain retail products, such as automotive fuel, pricing adjustments occur on a frequent basis. It is not uncommon to see fuels prices vary on a weekly and, sometimes, daily basis. These pricing adjustments are dictated by many factors; foremost are fuel costs and competitive pricing in the retail market.

In the retail fuel market in order to assess whether a price adjustment is warranted the retail site must determine what the current fuel price is at competitor sites. Traditionally, this has meant that the retail site must survey their predetermined competitors for current pricing information and report such data to price administrator who determines whether a price adjustment is warranted. A retail site representative will conduct a survey by visiting the competitors in the area and noting the current fuel prices. Surveys are typically conducted on a daily basis and the information is then transmitted to the price administrator, typically by an electronic means, such as electronic mail (email), facsimile (fax) or the like. More recently, Internet or corporate network based price survey mechanisms have been implemented to convey current competitor pricing information from the retail site to the price administrator.

The price administrator is typically located at a central or corporate headquarters office and is responsible for determining pricing of all or a percentage of the retail sites operated within the corporation's chain of sites. Once the price administrator receives the price survey information a manual determination is made whether to adjust prices based upon the price survey, fuel costs and other factors effecting fuel pricing. If a pricing change is warranted the price administrator typically conveys the price change, telephonically or by other electronic means, to the district manager responsible for the retail site who then, in turn, conveys the price change information to the retail site. The current system and method relies on the manual determination of the price administrator to determine if price adjustments are warranted. These manual determinations are susceptible to human error and reliance upon preconceived notions of which of the competitor pricings are most significant. In addition, the manual determination of pricing adjustments is an inefficient process that relies on daily manipulation by the price administrators of pricing information for each retail site to determine if price adjustment is warranted.

Once the retail site has been notified that a price change has been authorized, price changes are implemented by manually changing the prices at the fuel pumps and on the fuel advertising signs in the vicinity of the retail sites. Typically, price changes are implemented at the beginning of the business day or at another set time of day. Manually changing the prices at the fuel pumps and associated advertising signs is an inefficient means of implementing price changes for a commodity, such as retail fuel, that changes price on a frequent basis.

A need exists to develop a price management system that is instrumental in pricing products, such as retail fuel, that are susceptible to frequent price fluctuation. The system should be capable of automated price adjustment analysis that relies on statistical data to determine whether a price adjustment is required. Such an automated process will provide for efficient, real-time determination of price adjustments that do not rely on human bias or are susceptible to human error. In addition, the desired pricing system should provide for an automated means of changing prices at the point-of sale. In the retail fuel sale context, this would mean automatically changing the prices at the fuel pumps and at the associated advertising signs. Such automated pricing changing, should be capable of being implemented at the central pricing office or at the retail site. As such, pricing changes would be implemented immediately upon a determination that a price change is required and the central pricing office would be immediately notified that the pricing changes has effectively occurred.

The need exists to develop a price management system that will take into account various sales factors, determine whether a price adjustment is required for specific retail sites and automatically adjust the price at the point of sale (i.e. at the fuel pump and/or the retail site advertising signs). These sales factors include, but are not limited to, competitor pricing, volume of sales at retail sites, cost of the product being sold and state and federal laws. In order for such a system to be successfully implemented, the pricing adjustments must be determined and implemented efficiently due to the unstable nature of cost of the commodity and competitor pricing. Retail sites must be able to provide current competitor pricing information and current sales information to a centralized pricing unit, which uses this site-specific information along with other site-specific and generic pricing related information to determine whether a price adjustment is warranted. Upon determination that a price adjustment is necessary the centralized pricing unit must convey the information to the retail site and affect an automatic adjustment on the price at the point-of sale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for an automated retail price management system and methods for managing retail price. The systems and methods for price management take into account current competitor pricing and current retail site sales information to automatically determine whether a price adjustment is necessary and, if so, automatically adjusts the price at the point-of-sale. The systems and methods are particularly relevant to managing the price of products that frequently fluctuate in price, such as the sale of automotive fuel at retail service station sites.

In one embodiment of the invention a system for price management includes a plurality of first network communication devices, such as desktop computers, each device associated with and typically located at a retail sales site. The network device implements a first price management module that receives inputs related to current competitor pricing and inputs or imports data related to current retail sales volume. The network device than electronically transmits this information to a centralized pricing office. Typically, the data is transmitted via satellite communication although other forms of electronic data transfer used in communication networks are also possible.

A second network communication device, such as a desktop computer in communication with memory devices and servers, receives the electronic communications from the plurality of first network communication devices. The second network communication device is associated with and typically located at a central pricing unit/office. The second network communication device implements a second price management module. The price management module is capable of assessing the competitor pricing information, the retail site sales information and other price related data to determine if a site-specific price adjustment is necessary. If a price adjustment is determined to be required, the price management module determines the adjustment value based upon the competitor pricing information, the retail site sales information and other price related data, such as cost of the product, freight cost from the source to the retail site, state and federal taxes, state and federal laws and the like. Once a price adjustment is determined the second network communication device electronically transmits the price adjustment information back to one or more of the plurality of first network devices. Upon receipt of the price adjustment information, the first price management module automatically changes the price at the point of sale and, in certain embodiments the price is changed on retail site related signs.

An additional feature of the price management system allows for the central pricing system administrator to manually input adjusted price information based upon competitor pricing, current retail site sales information and other pricing related information. In this manner, the system administrator can override the automated feature of the pricing management module or adjust pricing using price determining factors that are outside of those considered in the automated feature.

In one of the more relevant embodiments of the invention the price management system is employed in managing the pricing of retail automotive fuel at retail service stations. A plurality of first network communication devices, such as desktop computers, are typically located at retail fuel service station sites. The network device implements a first price management module that receives inputs related to current competitor fuel pricing and inputs or imports data related to current retail fuel sales. The network device than electronically transmits this information to a centralized pricing office.

A second network communication device, such as a desktop computer in communication with memory devices and servers, receives the electronic communications from the plurality of first network communication devices. The second network communication device is typically located at a central fuel pricing office, either regional, national or global. The second network communication device implements a second price management module. The second price management module is capable of assessing the competitor fuel pricing information, the retail site fuel sales information and other price related data to determine if a site-specific price adjustment is necessary. If a price adjustment is determined to be required, the price management module determines the adjustment value based upon the competitor fuel pricing information, the retail site fuel sales information and other price related data, such as cost of the fuel, freight cost from the source to the retail site, state and federal taxes, state and federal laws and the like. Once a price adjustment is determined the second network communication device electronically transmits the price adjustment information back to one or more of the plurality of first network devices. Upon receipt of the price adjustment information, the first price management module automatically changes the price at the fuel pumps and, in certain embodiments the price is changed on the retail site signage in the vicinity of the retail site.

In an alternate embodiment the invention is defined in terms of a method for price management. The method includes the steps of surveying the current prices being offered by predefined competitors in the general vicinity of a retail site. Once the survey is completed the results are inputted, along with current retail site sales information, into a networked device that implements a first price management module. The networked device electronically transmits this information to a second networked device that is associated with a central pricing function.

The second networked device implements a second price management module and, upon receipt of the information from the first networked device, determines whether a price adjustment is required based upon the current competitor pricing information and current retail sales information. If a determination is made that a price adjustment is required, the amount of the price adjustment is determined based upon current competitor prices, current retail site sales information and other price related information, such as cost of the product, freight costs, local/state/federal taxes and laws. Upon determination of the price adjustment amount, the price adjustment is transmitted electronically from the second network device to the first network device and the first price management module of the first network device implements the price adjustment by automatically affecting the price change at the point-of-sale.

Thus, the price management system of the present invention is able to automatically or manually determine price adjustments based on current competitor pricing, retail site sales and other price related factors, such as cost of the product, freight charges, state and federal laws and state and federal taxes. Once price adjustments are determined they are able to instantaneously and automatically be implemented at the point of sale. In one of the most relevant applications, retail automotive fuel pricing, the system is able to automatically adjust and display prices on the fuel pumps as well as the advertising signs in the vicinity of the retail site. This system and methods provide for a comprehensive and efficient means of determining price adjustments and implementing the price adjustments in real-time fashion at the point-of-sale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram of a price management system implemented in conjunction with retail automotive fuel pricing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flow diagram of a method for price management in a retail pricing environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a depiction of a display monitor illustrating a site information file of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a depiction of a display monitor illustrating a store competitor file of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a depiction of a display monitor illustrating a daily pricing filing of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a depiction of a display monitor illustrating a reporting file of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a depiction of a display monitor illustrating a competitor prices web page of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a depiction of a price change input window of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a depiction a fastfax window of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a depiction of an overall retail site database window of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a depiction of an event log window of a price management module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, shown is a block diagram of an automated pricing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the pricing system is used in conjunction with fuel pricing and, specifically, fuel pricing at service stations. However, it is possible to implement the pricing system of the present invention in conjunction with the sale of other products, typically products in which the pricing structure is unstable and varies on a daily basis.

The pricing system of the present invention is implemented at a centralized pricing office <b>10</b> and one or more retail sites <b>20</b>. A first pricing management module <b>22</b> is associated with the retail sites and a second pricing management module <b>12</b> is associated with the centralized pricing office. The pricing management modules are executed by appropriate processing means, typically in communication with a conventional desktop computer, server or the like. The pricing management modules of the present invention are adapted to be implemented via a communications network, such as the Internet, a corporate intranet or the like. The first and second pricing management modules function so as to automatically adjust the prices at the various remote retail sites <b>20</b> based on inputs from the remote retail sites. Price adjustments can be automated based upon predefined conditions that are established by the pricing management module or a pricing system administrator can manually adjust the prices for the one or more remote retail sites. Typically, conditions that will affect price will include cost of the product being sold, competitor pricing, state minimum pricing laws and the like.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, information is communicated from the centralized pricing office <b>10</b> to the remote retail sites <b>20</b> via satellite receivers/transmitters <b>30</b> located at the centralized pricing office and the remote retail sites. Satellite receivers/transmitters are shown by way of example only, other means of electronic information transfer, both wireless and wired, may also be implemented.

The centralized pricing office <b>10</b> communicates pricing information to the remote retail sites <b>20</b>. The first pricing management module <b>22</b> is implemented by appropriate processing means at the remote retail site <b>20</b>. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the first pricing management module is capable of receiving the pricing information from the central pricing office and executing automated price changes on the service station fuel pumps <b>24</b> and/or the fuel pricing signs <b>26</b> located within the general vicinity of the remote retail site. Once the pricing changes have been implemented, at the service station fuel pumps and/or the fuel pricing signs, a communication is sent by the first pricing management module at the remote retail site to the centralized pricing office to confirm that the pricing change is executed properly. In this regard, the centralized pricing office receives automated and real-time feedback that the price adjustment has been implemented.

The first pricing management module <b>22</b> will typically be configured such that pricing and sales information related to the remote retail site is inputted manually by a retail site system administrator or pricing and sales information is accessed from associated databases. For example, a retail site system administrator will survey competitor prices and manually input competitor prices into the first pricing management module. Sales data related to the retail site will be imported into the first pricing management module from associated sales databases or manually inputted into the first pricing management module by the retail site administrator. Once the competitor prices and sales data have been imported/inputted into the first pricing management system module, the information is communicated to the centralized pricing office <b>10</b>. The second pricing management module <b>12</b> associated with the centralized pricing office receives the pricing and sales related information and uses such to calculate the necessary price adjustment for each individual remote retail site.

The second pricing management module determines if the competitor prices for specific retail site are within predefined threshold. If the determination is made that competitor prices are within the predefined thresholds, then the second pricing management module would implement predefined pricing rules, typically site-specific, to automatically execute a price change. Pricing rules are set by various sales factors including fuel cost, sales volume at the retail site, competitor pricing, etc. If the predefined competitor price thresholds are exceeded it will result in the retail site being placed in the manual review queue and dictate that the system administrator at the centralized pricing office determine the requisite price adjustment. Predefined competitor price thresholds may be determined by implementing competitor power ranking comparisons that based on price/demand elasticity statistical analysis.

Additionally, automated pricing determinations may be undertaken for a specific grouping of retail sites, referred to as a price zone grouping, as opposed to individual retail sites. A predefined pricing rule is applied to the price zone grouping and a uniform automatic price change is implemented simultaneously for all of the sites in the zone.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> depicts a flow diagram of a method for price adjustment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step <b>50</b>, the remote retail sites surveys current competitor pricing. In the fuel pricing embodiment this would entail having a representative of the retail site visit the predefined competitor sites to assess current fuel prices. At step <b>52</b>, the retail site system administrator inputs current competitor prices and inputs or imports retail site sales data into the first price management module. The competitor pricing information and sales information is then, at step <b>54</b>, electronically transmitted to the second pricing management module associated with the central pricing office. In one embodiment of the invention the means of electronic communication is satellite communication, however, other means of electronic network communication may also be used without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

At step <b>56</b>, using the current competitor pricing information and retail site sales information the second pricing management module determines a price adjustment using other predefined factors, such as, cost of the product, federal, state and local taxes assessed on the product, minimum pricing laws and the like. Alternatively, the central pricing office system administrator may manually adjust prices based upon factors outside of those predefined in the second pricing management module. For example, certain unforeseen conditions may warrant a concurrent increase or decrease in price at all remote retail sites. If the pricing management module or system administrator determines that a price adjustment is warranted then, at step <b>58</b>, the price adjustment is electronically transmitted to the retail site. The first pricing management module associated with the retail site receives the price adjustment transmission and, at step <b>60</b>, prices are automatically adjusted at the point of sale. In the fuel pricing embodiment this would entail automatically adjusting the price at the fuel service pump and the automated pricing signs located on the retail site.

Site Information File

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a site information file <b>100</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The site information file provides the pricing management system with the background information related to each remote retail site. The system administrator associated with the centralized pricing office can input or change the information in the site information file. The input fields and the activation keys shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> are by way of example only. Other input fields and activation keys may also be implemented as dictated by the application of the pricing system without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

Located above the site information file <b>100</b> on the display monitor are various header fields related to the remote retail site. The header fields are typically created by the centralized pricing office system administrator at the inception of the remote retail site or the fields are updated automatically as information is communicated to the centralized pricing office. The header fields allow the system administrator to search for and find a specific retail site. The header fields above the file folders include the “store number” field <b>102</b>, the “city” field <b>104</b>, the “state” field <b>106</b>, the “open date” field <b>108</b>, the “last called” field <b>110</b>, the “phone number” field <b>112</b>, the “group” field <b>114</b> and the “competitor report” field <b>116</b>. The “store number” field signifies the store number assigned by the home office, typically in order of store opening or systematically by region. The “city” and “state” fields indicate the location of the remote retail site. The “open date” field indicates the date that the site first opened for business and the “last called” field indicates the time and date that the last communication was transmitted to or from the remote retail site. The “phone” field indicates the phone number of the remote retail site. The “group” field indicates a color coded grouping for which this particular site is assigned. This grouping allows for retail sites to be further segregated into groupings based on predetermined conditions and provides data analysts a further tool for distinguishing retail sites. For example, grouping may be categorized according to historical fuel volumes sold at the retail site. The “competitor report” field indicates whether a competitor report exists in the pricing management module for this particular remote retail site. The competitor report located in the store competitors file and discussed infra. includes information related to competitors in the general vicinity of the remote retail site, the pricing guidelines used by these competitors and the current prices charged by these competitors. The “price group” field <b>118</b> allows for the sorting of retail sites based on price grouping. For example, price grouping may be conducted based upon the geographic location of the retail sites. The “sort-by” field <b>120</b> allows the administrator to sort the remote retail site by information in the header fields, such as site number, competitor price, open date, pool margin, last called, projected sales volume and the like.

The “site information” file <b>100</b> comprises various information fields related to a specific remote retail site. The street address and zip code of the remote retail site are indicated in the “address” field <b>122</b> and the “zip code” field <b>124</b>. The “plus spread” field <b>126</b> and the “premium spread” field <b>128</b> allow the system administrator to set the price difference between regular fuel and plus fuel and regular fuel and premium fuel for this particular retail site. In this regard, when the regular fuel price is adjusted the pricing management module knows how to appropriately adjust the plus and premium prices based on the spreads specified in the site information file. The “urban” field <b>130</b> allows the administrator to designate the site as “urban” if it is located within a populous area or if the site is not designated as “urban” it is deemed to be “rural”. This designation further distinguishes between remote retail sites and is used by other reporting schemes and analysis tools implemented by the pricing management module.

The “price group” field <b>132</b> allows the site administrator to designate a remote retail site amongst various price groups. Price groups are subsets of the overall remote retail sites and are typically identifiable by a characteristic associated with the remote retail site. In one embodiment of the invention the price groups are assigned based upon geographic location of the remote retail sites. By way of example, price group “1” is the east coast region, price group “2” is the southeast region, price group “3” is the southwest region, etc. By designating the remote retail sites via price groupings it is feasible and within the inventive concepts herein disclosed to allow for specific home office system administrators to administer the pricing system for their assigned price group.

The “best buy pricing” field <b>134</b> allows the system administrator to designate the remote retail site as a best buy price site. If the site is so designated the retail location will purchase its fuel from the lowest cost source. If the site is not designated as a best buy site, purchasing may be conducted based on the closest, in proximity, supply point (typically dictated by state law). Activation of the “supply point” key <b>136</b> provides for a listing of all supply points that meet the designated criteria, i.e., best buy or non-best buy. A supply point can then be chosen from the supply list or a supply point can be manually typed into the supply point fields. The supply point fields include <b>138</b>, <b>140</b> and <b>142</b> the supply point number, the city and state of the supply point and specific purchase arrangement with the supply point, accordingly.

The “differentials” fields <b>144</b> indicate the plus or minus amount applied to each fuel type based on supply point assigned to the retail site and they assist in calculating the actual cost of the fuel. The “sales ratio” fields <b>146</b> indicate the current sales ratio of fuel types. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the retail site is currently selling 88.43% unleaded, 6.52% plus, 5.05% premium and negligible or no diesel sales. The sales ratio information can be updated by engaging the “update sales ratios” key <b>148</b> that accesses information either stored in a database associated with the pricing management module or communicates with the remote retail site to determine real-time sales ratios.

The “gas type” field <b>150</b> allows the administrator to designate the fuel type for the site as being conventional (C), oxygenated (<b>0</b>) or reformulated (R). In the illustrated embodiment the diesel fields are designated as (N) signifying that no diesel fuel is available at this location. The “discount” field <b>152</b> allows the administrator to set a fuel discount for a specific site, if the site has an ongoing, current buyer promotion related to fuel pricing. The “gift card” field <b>154</b> is indicative of a loyalty discount being applied to those purchases made by customers who possess the gift card. In the embodiment shown the gift card discount is $0.03 per gallon. The “freight” field <b>156</b> allows the administrator to adjust the price of the fuel by adding the cost related to transportation of the fuel from the source to the retail site. The “federal tax” field <b>158</b>, the “state tax” field <b>160</b> and the “tax %” field <b>162</b> allows the administrator to adjust the price of the fuel in accordance with the requisite federal and state taxes. The federal tax is typically a fixed amount while the state tax may be a fixed amount or it may be calculated as a percentage of the price of the fuel.

The “differential” field <b>164</b> allows the administrator to adjust the minimum margin of the price of the fuel. The minimum margin is defined as the minimum price per gallon that the retail site must charge above cost as dictated by state laws. The “state minimum pricing laws” key <b>166</b> provides the administrator access to the minimum pricing laws for the state in which the retail site is located so that the administrator assures that they are abiding by applicable state law.

The “region” and “district” fields <b>168</b> and <b>170</b> provide for further categorization of the retail site based on geographic location of the site. The “district manager” key <b>172</b> and “division manager” key <b>174</b> provide access to a complete listing of all district managers and all division managers associated with the retail sites. The “plan sales” field <b>176</b> and “non-fuel sales” field <b>178</b> are monthly goals for the site established by the system administrator. The “plan sales” field denotes monthly fuel sales goals in terms of gallons. The “non-fuel sales” field denotes monthly non-fuel sales goals in terms of dollars.

The “telephone” field <b>180</b>, “manager” field <b>182</b> and “assistant manager” field <b>184</b> provide for site-specific contact information for the retail site. Further retail site information may be accessed by engaging the “store information” key <b>186</b>, which provides the site administrator with access to a composite profile window of the information related to the retail site.

Additional activation keys disposed in the site information file include the “import labor” key <b>190</b> that allows the system administrator at central pricing office to access labor totals for a specific pay period from an associated payroll module. The “import sales information from factor” key <b>192</b> allows the system administrator to access sales numbers from a secondary account to validate accuracy between the separate sales reporting functions.

Store Competitors File

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a store competitors file <b>200</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The store competitor file provides the price management system with information related to each competitor located within a predetermined competition vicinity of a remote retail site. Either the system administrator associated with the centralized pricing office or the administrator at the remote retail site can input or change the information in the store competitor file. The input fields and the activation keys shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> are by way of example only. Other input fields and activation keys may also be implemented as dictated by the application of the pricing system without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

Located above the store competition file <b>200</b> on the display monitor are various header fields related to the remote retail site. The header fields allow the system administrator to search for and find a specific retail site. The header fields above the file folders include the “store number” field <b>202</b>, the “city” field <b>204</b>, the “state” field <b>206</b>, the “open date” field <b>208</b>, the “last called” field <b>210</b>, the “phone number” field <b>212</b>, and the “group” field <b>214</b>. The “store number” field signifies the store number assigned by the home office, typically in order of store opening or systematically by region. The “city” and “state” fields indicate the location of the remote retail site. The “open date” field indicates the date that the site first opened for business and the “last called” field indicates the time and date that the last communication was transmitted to or from the remote retail site. The “phone” field indicates the phone number of the remote retail site. The “group” field indicates the assigned group to which the retail site has been assigned. The “price group” field <b>216</b> allows for the sorting of retail sites based on price grouping. For example, price grouping may be conducted based upon the geographic location of the retail sites. The “sort-by” field <b>218</b> allows the administrator to sort the remote retail site by information in the header fields, such as site number, competitor price, open date, pool margin, last called, projected sales volume and the like.

The store competitor file <b>200</b> includes a competitor grid <b>220</b> that contains information related to a retail site's competitors. The grid includes “competitor number” column <b>222</b> that provides for a list of numbers associated with the competitors who are located within a predetermined vicinity of the remote retail site. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, eight competitors exist for retail site number 6766 (located in Windsor, Ga.). The “tier” column <b>224</b> provides for the competitors to be assigned a tier based upon major brands and non-major brands. The tier system allows for the competitors to be appropriately weighed for comparison purposes. The “primary” column <b>226</b> indicates which competitors are currently being used for price comparison surveying. The “competitor” column <b>228</b> lists the retail names of the competitors and other distinguishing features. The “key competitor” column <b>230</b> allows the administrator to identify the retail site's key competitor(s) for analysis purposes.

The “print competitor sheet” key <b>232</b> allows the system administrator to print out or directly fax a site specific competitor work sheet to use when assessing the current fuel prices being charged by the listed competitors. Remote retail sites will typically assess competitors pricing on a daily basis and report competitor pricing information back to the centralized pricing office through the pricing system of the present invention. The “update web page stores and competitors” key <b>234</b> allows the system administrator to change the competitor listing to accurately reflect the remote retail site's competitors. The “fast fax competitor report” key <b>236</b> provides for the centralized pricing office to automatically fax a site-specific competitor worksheet to all remote retail sites. The “reset all selected stores for the competitor report” key <b>238</b> automatically resets or deselects all of the competitors to non-primary status (i.e., the primary column <b>226</b> will have all fields empty, indicating that no competitors are currently be statused for price comparison).

The “graph comment” section <b>240</b> provides the system administrator with an entry field where comments related to a specific competitor may be inputted. For example, it may be beneficial to note when a particular competitor opened or other specific information related to a competitor.

Daily Pricing File

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a daily pricing file <b>300</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The daily pricing file provides the system with information related to the daily pricing of the remote retail site and the site's competitors. Retail site prices and competitor prices are imported into the daily pricing file of the price management system via a server interface. Either the system administrator associated with the centralized pricing office or the administrator at the remote retail site can input or change the information in the daily pricing file. The input fields and the activation keys shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> are by way of example only. Other input fields and activation keys may also be implemented as dictated by the application of the pricing system without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

Located above the daily pricing file <b>300</b> on the display monitor are various header fields related to the remote retail site. The header fields allow the system administrator to search for and find a specific retail site. The header fields above the file folders include the “store number” field <b>302</b>, the “city” field <b>304</b>, the “state” field <b>306</b>, the “open date” field <b>308</b>, the “last called” field <b>310</b>, the “phone number” field <b>312</b>, the “group” field <b>314</b> and the competitor report field <b>316</b>. The “price group” field <b>318</b> allows for the sorting of retail sites based on price grouping. For example, price grouping may be conducted based upon the geographic location of the retail sites. The “sort-by” field <b>320</b> allows the administrator to sort the remote retail site by information in the header fields, such as site number, competitor price, open date, pool margin, last called, projected sales volume and the like.

The daily pricing file <b>300</b> includes a daily price grid <b>322</b> that displays dates and prices on those dates and a competition price grid <b>324</b> that displays current competitor pricing. Additionally, the daily pricing file includes a “competition follows” field <b>326</b> provides the system administrator a pull down menu by which the retail site can be designated according to whether the competition follows fuel pricing changes. Typically pull-down options will include “sometimes”, “always” and “never”. The “go to price” fields <b>328</b> allows the site administrator to type in new retail prices for unleaded fuel, plus fuel, premium fuel and diesel fuel. The “print report” key <b>330</b> pulls up the price change window (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>), which displays the “go to prices” or new prices in addition to the current prices prior to activating the price adjustment at the retail site. The “lowest legal price” field <b>332</b> displays the current lowest legal price that the retail site can charge, according to state law, for unleaded fuel.

The daily pricing grid <b>322</b> provides a running list of sales data and pricing for the remote retail site. In the embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the last seven consecutive dates are displayed. It is possible to display other dates by utilizing the scrolling function to the right of the grid. The “date” column <b>334</b> indicates the last seven consecutive calendar dates. The “gallons” column <b>336</b> indicates the number of overall gallons (i.e., unleaded, premium, plus and diesel) sold at the retail site for the specified date. The fields in the gallon column may be color coded to indicate changes in rolling average sales percentages. For example, an entry that is coded red may indicate that the sales for that date are down 10% or more from a four-week average or a entry that is coded blue may indicate that the sales for that date are up 10% or more from a four-week average. The “gift card” column <b>338</b> provides daily totals of the number of gallons that were purchased using a gift card, otherwise referred to as a loyalty card or customer appreciation card.

The “UL” column <b>340</b>, the “plus” column <b>342</b>, the “prem” column <b>344</b>, and the “diesel” column <b>346</b> indicate the price per gallon charged on the date listed for unleaded, plus, premium and diesel fuel. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a two cent decrease in the price of fuel occurred on Aug. 11, 2002 and the site does not offer diesel fuel. The “pool margin” column <b>348</b> indicates the total amount of profit made per gallon for each sales date. Pool margin is a weighted average of the fuel grades sold and is determined based on supplier cost of the fuel and the retail price for which the fuel was sold on a particular date.

The competition price grid <b>324</b> indicates current fuel sale prices for the competitors listed in the store competitors file (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). The “competitor number” column <b>350</b> indicates the assigned competitor number, in this example; competitor numbers 1-8 have been assigned. The “tier” column <b>352</b> indicates the tier assigned to the competitor. The use of the tier system provides for the competitors to be assigned a tier based upon major brands and non-major brands and allows for the competitors to be appropriately weighed for comparison purposes. The “station” column <b>354</b> lists the retail names of the competitors. The “unleaded” column <b>356</b>, “plus” column <b>358</b>, “premium” column <b>360</b> and “diesel” column <b>362</b> list the current reported sales prices for unleaded, plus, premium and diesel fuel for each of the specified competitors. The current prices listed in the competitor field may be color coded to indicate increases or decreases in price. For example, a blue colored entry may indicate that the price has undergone an increase from the previous reporting period and a red colored entry may indicate that the price has undergone a decrease from the previous reporting period.

Additional information fields are also displayed in the daily pricing file <b>300</b>. The “projected fuel sales” field <b>364</b> is an estimate of the projected fuel sales in gallons for the month. The “% of plan” field <b>366</b> indicates how fuel sales for the retail site are progressing versus the targeted or planned sales for the current month. For example, in the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the actual fuel sales are 0.93% above the targeted or planned sales for the retail site in August. The “prior year” field <b>368</b> indicates the fuel sales in gallons for the month in the preceding year. For example, in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, 296,978 gallons of fuel were sold at the retail site during August of the prior year. The “non-fuel sales” field <b>370</b> indicates the previous day's non-fuel sales for the retail site.

The fuel sales graph <b>372</b> provides lines graphs of the current week and previous week fuel sales. Gallons in thousands are indicated along the x-coordinate and days of the week are indicated along the y-coordinate. It is also possible to access a four-week graph, comprising four line graphs, by engaging the four-week folder <b>374</b>.

The “note” section <b>376</b> allows the system administrator at the central office or at the retail site to input comments related to sales, pricing or competitor pricing.

Reporting File

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a reporting file <b>400</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The reporting file provides the individual accessing the file, typically the system administrator, with various reporting functions. The activation keys shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> are by way of example only. Other activation keys may also be implemented as dictated by the application of the pricing system without departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

Located above the reporting file <b>400</b> on the display monitor are various header fields related to the remote retail site. The header fields allow the system administrator to search for and find a specific retail site. The header fields above the file folders include the “store number” field <b>402</b>, the “city” field <b>404</b>, the “state” field <b>406</b>, the “open date” field <b>408</b>, the “last called” field <b>410</b>, the “phone number” field <b>412</b>, the “group” field <b>414</b> and the competitor report field <b>416</b>. The “price group” field <b>418</b> allows for the sorting of retail sites based on price grouping. For example, price grouping may be conducted based upon the geographic location of the retail sites. The “sort-by” field <b>420</b> allows the administrator to sort the remote retail site by information in the header fields, such as site number, competitor price, open date, pool margin, last called, projected sales volume and the like.

The reporting file <b>400</b> includes a plurality of access keys that provide reports related to pricing and sales. The “imported records will be dated” field <b>422</b> indicates the date that will be displayed on all records/reports that are accessed by the reporting file keys. Typically, the displayed date will be the current date, however, the field allows the system administrator to predate or postdate the report as the application may dictate.

The “get all web information” key <b>424</b> accesses and imports all of the recently transmitted competitor price survey information. The “update web page stores and competitors” key <b>426</b> transmits to the retail site changes to competitor listings or other related site-specific information. The “print daily price information” key <b>428</b> allows the system administrator to print daily price information for each retail site. The “store number” field <b>430</b> indicates the store number for which the reports that are being accessed pertain to. The “export last report to excel” key <b>432</b> allows the system administrator to export and automatically convert the last report to a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft™ Excel™ or the like. The “import pricing information” key <b>434</b> allows the system administrator to communicate the retail site and learn the current fueling costs that are being charged by the retail site. The “check best buy information” key <b>436</b> allows the system administrator to access supply point information for the purpose of comparing supply point information.

The “competitor price report” key <b>440</b> allows the system administrator to access the competitor pricing information, such as the information noted in the competition grid <b>324</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The “sales report” key <b>442</b> provides access to the fuel sales information for the site, such as the information noted in the sales grid <b>322</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and the like. In a similar fashion, the “non-fuel” key <b>444</b> provides access to the non-fuel sales information for the retail site. The “graphs” key <b>446</b> provides access to various graphs, such as overall, regional or individual retail site pricing versus competitor pricing, which can be broken down based on tiers. The “plan sales” key <b>448</b> provides access to the information related to the planned or targeted sales for the retail site and graphs actual sales versus targeted sales.

The “average pool margin” key <b>450</b> is provided. The “print margin report” key <b>452</b> provides access to the current margin for the selected retail site. The “non-fuel trend report” key <b>454</b> provides access to daily trends in sales of non-fuel products at the selected retail site.

The “key competition” key <b>456</b> provides access to a competitor's pricing information that has been designated a key competitor, such as a low-price leader competitor. The “key competitor graphs” key <b>458</b> provides access to graphical comparison data for a key competitor. The “pricing for carriers” key <b>460</b> provides information on freight prices charged by carriers to deliver the fuel from the source to the retail site. The “gift card percentage” key <b>462</b> provides access to the percentage of sales, either daily, monthly or other period, that were conducted with a customer appreciation or gift card. The “stores by open date” key <b>464</b> provides sales and pricing information for all retail sites categorized by the date that the retail site opened for business.

The “14 day total sales” key <b>466</b> provides sales data for the previous 14 day sales period. The “Update PMS system” key <b>468</b> updates an auxiliary reporting and sales management module with current pricing and sales information. The “find missing info” key <b>470</b> queries the database, identifies missing information or incorrect information and locates the missing or acceptable data. The “price spread” key <b>472</b> is an analysis tool that allows the administrator to ascertain margins if different price spreads are implemented between unleaded, plus and premium fuel grades. The “legal prices” key <b>474</b> provides a listing of any retail sites that may be currently operating in non-compliance with state minimum pricing laws.

Competitor Price Update Web Page

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a competitor price update web page <b>500</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The competitor price update web page is typically accessed by the retail site administrator and provides a means for updating the current fuel prices being offered by competitors. The retail site administrator accesses the web page, inputs necessary updates into the pricing fields and the information is communicated electronically via the network to the central office site where the data is stored in SQL databases for subsequent implementation by the price management system of the present invention.

The retail site system administrator accesses the web page by inputting an assigned web address into the address field <b>502</b>. The web page will typically exist on a company specific intranet, however; other forms of network communication, including the Internet, are also possible and within the inventive concepts herein disclosed.

The competitor price web page includes a “competitor” column <b>504</b> that lists all of the retail sites competitors. The listings are in the form of activation keys that upon activation allow the retail site administrator to change fuel prices accordingly. The competitor price grid also includes a “regular price” column <b>506</b>, a “plus price” column <b>508</b>, a “premium price” column <b>510</b> and a “diesel price” column <b>512</b>. The competitor pricing information is transmitted to the central pricing office by activating a “transmit pricing info” key.

The keys disposed to the left of the competitor price grid allow the retail site administrator access to site-specific information and reports. The “current price” key <b>514</b> provides the retail site with the current prices that the site is charging (or should be charging). The “daily sales” key <b>516</b> provides the retail site administrator access to a window for importing or manually inputting the prior day sales totals into the price management module and subsequently transmitting this data to the central pricing office. The “competitor prices” key <b>518</b> provides access to the competitor price input window shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. The “target worksheet” key <b>520</b> provides the retail site administrator access to a worksheet that tracks actual retail site performance (fuel sales, non-fuel sales, employee hours, etc.) versus the planned site performance.

The “deliveries” key <b>522</b> provides access to information concerning upcoming planned fuel deliveries to the retail site. The “audit reports” key <b>524</b> provides access to retail site accounting records. The “cigarette survey” key <b>526</b> provides a competitor cigarette pricing survey input form. The “DiMRS” key <b>528</b> provides for a district manager tracking system and the “pump volume” key <b>530</b> provides the retail site with information concerning the volume of fuel sold by any one fuel pump. The “pump volume” key allows the site administrator to determine fuel pumps that are malfunctioning and require service.

Price Change Input Window

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a price change input window <b>600</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The price change input module is typically accessed by the central office system administrator to change prices manually. This window is accessed from the daily pricing file (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) by activating the “print report” key <b>330</b>. In certain embodiments of the invention pricing updates will be done automatically based upon predefined price change conditions defined in the price change management system module of the present invention.

The price change input module <b>600</b> provides for a “retail site address” field <b>602</b> that provides for the retail site number and city/state of location. The “effective date and time” field <b>604</b> provides for the new prices to be implemented immediately or allows for the changes to be implemented at a future date and time. The module provides for the current prices, shown as “regular” field <b>606</b>, “plus” field <b>608</b>, “premium” field <b>610</b> and “diesel” field <b>612</b>. These fields denote the current prices per gallon for regular unleaded, plus, premium and diesel fuels. The “regular gift card” field <b>614</b>, “plus gift card” field <b>616</b>, “premium gift card” field <b>618</b> and “diesel gift card” field <b>620</b> indicate the current prices per gallon for regular unleaded, plus, premium and diesel fuels for customers using the requisite gift card.

In addition, the module provides for new prices, shown as “regular” field <b>622</b>, “plus” field <b>624</b>, “premium” field <b>626</b> and “diesel” field <b>628</b>. These fields denote the new prices per gallon for regular unleaded, plus, premium and diesel fuels. The “regular gift card” field <b>630</b>, “plus gift card” field <b>632</b>, “premium gift card” field <b>634</b> and “diesel gift card” field <b>636</b> indicate the new prices per gallon for regular unleaded, plus, premium and diesel fuels for customers using the requisite gift card.

The price override fields <b>638</b> provide for an indication that the new prices are to be executed at the retail site. If the price override fields remain unchecked than the new prices will not be implemented unless the current prices shown in the price change window of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> match the actual prices currently being charged at the retail site. The change pumps only fields <b>640</b> provide for the price on the service fuel pumps to be changed but not the price on the site's signs if the field is checked. If the field(s) are not checked the price will be changed on the service fuel pumps and on the site sign(s). The “ok” key <b>642</b> executes the price change and the “cancel” key <b>644</b> cancels the implementation of the new prices and returns the pricing to the current prices.

Fast Fax Competition Survey Form

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of a fast fax competition survey form module <b>700</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The fast fax option allows the central office system administrator to fax a site-specific competition survey form to one or more remote retail sites. This window is accessed from the store competitor file by engaging either the print competitor sheet key <b>232</b> or the “fastfax competitor reports to all stores” key <b>236</b>. Typically, the central office system administrator will be able to fax all of the sites a specific competition survey form concurrently via electronic fax submittal.

The fast fax competition survey form module provides for sender fields including “name” field <b>702</b>, “company/department” field <b>704</b>, and “fax number” field <b>706</b>. The recipient fields include “name” field <b>708</b>, “company” field <b>710</b>, “fax number” field <b>712</b>, “address” field <b>714</b> and “country” field <b>716</b>. The recipient information is listed in the recipient list <b>718</b> which provides for a list of all recipients that will receive the sent fax. The competition survey form <b>720</b> is a separate document that is faxed to all of the listed recipients. Upon receipt of the competition survey form the retail sites use the form to survey the competitors within their competition vicinity to assess the competitors current fuel prices.

Retail Site Database Window

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of the overall retail site database window <b>800</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The overall retail site database is typically accessed by the central office system administrator. This is a background module that is used by the price management module to import data related to retail sites. The overall retail site databases is sortable by all of the field headings that are located across the top toolbar. These fields include “store number” field <b>802</b>, “city” field <b>804</b>, “state” field <b>806</b> and “district field” <b>808</b>. The header fields also include the “date opened” field <b>810</b>, the “current regular fuel price” field <b>812</b>, the “current plus fuel price” field <b>814</b>, the “current premium fuel price” field <b>816</b> and the “current gift card discount” field <b>818</b>. The listing also provides for a heading for “current connection status” <b>820</b>, which indicates if the retail site is currently connected to the price management system or whether an error condition prevents a current connection from being established. The “version” field <b>822</b> indicates the current version of the pricing management system that the retail site is currently implementing. The “store time” field <b>824</b> indicates the current local time for each retail site. The “price date” field <b>826</b> and “price time” field <b>828</b> indicate the last date and time that price changes were implemented at the retail site.

Additionally, from the display of the retail site database the system administrator may change the fuel prices, accordingly. By checking the “go to price” field <b>830</b> the administrator is able to adjust the actual price of regular, plus or premium fuel or the gift card discount price. By checking the “price change” field <b>832</b> the administrator is able to adjust the increment by which the price for regular, plus or premium fuel will be adjusted.

The “effective date and time” field <b>834</b> allows the system administrator to change the prices immediately or to define an effective date and time for implementation of the change in the future. The “send price change” key <b>836</b> allows the system administrator to confirm and send the price changes to the remote retail site for immediate pricing update or future pricing update. The “today's pricing changes” key <b>838</b> provides for access to information related to the sites that have undergone price changes as of the current date.

Event Transaction Log

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates a display monitor depiction of the event transaction log <b>900</b> implemented in accordance with the pricing management module of the present invention. The event transaction log keeps a running list, by date and time, of the transactions/events that have occurred within the pricing management system. For example, price changes that have been successfully implemented are logged, the importation of pricing data from a retail site is logged and other events that occur between the retail sites and the central office are also logged.

As described above, the price management system of the present invention is able to automatically or manually determine price adjustments based on current competitor pricing, retail site sales and other price related factors, such as cost of the product, freight charges, state and federal laws and state and federal taxes. Once price adjustments are determined they are able to instantaneously and automatically implemented at the point of sale. In one of the most relevant applications, retail automotive fuel pricing, the system is able to automatically adjust and display prices on the fuel pumps as well as the advertising signs in the vicinity of the retail site. This system and methods provide for a comprehensive and efficient means of determining price adjustments and implementing the price adjustments in real-time fashion at the point-of-sale.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended Claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.